CARACAS, Venezuela – Venezuela's renegade chief prosecutor charged theformer head of the country's national guard Thursday with systemicallyviolating human rights during three months of anti-government proteststhat have left nearly 80 people dead.

Luisa Ortega Diaz's office announced the charges against AntonioBenavides Torres a day after the nation's Supreme Court declared it wasbarring her from leaving Venezuela and ordering her bank accounts frozen.

Ortega Diaz, a longtime loyalist of the socialist government whorecently broke ranks with President Nicolas Maduro, said police andmilitary officials are responsible for 23 protest deaths to date as wellas 853 injuries.

"In a great number of these incidents, there is evidence of excessiveuse of force in repressing protests," Venezuela's Public Ministry saidin a statement, citing the use of unauthorized firearms and torture ofthose apprehended.

CARACAS, Venezuela – Venezuela's renegade chief prosecutor charged theformer head of the country's national guard Thursday with systemicallyviolating human rights during three months of anti-government proteststhat have left nearly 80 people dead.

Luisa Ortega Diaz's office announced the charges against AntonioBenavides Torres a day after the nation's Supreme Court declared it wasbarring her from leaving Venezuela and ordering her bank accounts frozen.

Ortega Diaz, a longtime loyalist of the socialist government whorecently broke ranks with President Nicolas Maduro, said police andmilitary officials are responsible for 23 protest deaths to date as wellas 853 injuries.

"In a great number of these incidents, there is evidence of excessiveuse of force in repressing protests," Venezuela's Public Ministry saidin a statement, citing the use of unauthorized firearms and torture ofthose apprehended.

The charges are likely to further escalate tensions between Maduro andOrtega Diaz, who has become one the president's most vocal critics. Shehas filed numerous motions to the government-packed Supreme Courtchallenging Maduro's call for a special assembly to rewrite Venezuela'sconstitution, all of which have been rejected. Meanwhile, the SupremeCourt is proceeding with a complaint filed against her by socialistparty lawmaker Pedro Carreno.

Maduro announced he was replacing Benavides Torres last week and insteadassigning him as government head of the capital district.

Opposition protests demanding new elections and decrying Venezuela'striple-digit inflation, food shortages and worsening crime arecontinuing to rock the nation as Maduro pushes forward with his plan todraft a new constitution.

On a near daily basis, national guardsmen and police have launched teargas and rubber bullets at demonstrators, some of whom have respondedwith rocks and firebombs. The United States, European Union, Canada andothers have urged the government refrain from using force againstprotesters. But protests deaths and injuries have steadily risen, nearlydoubling the number of people killed during Venezuela's last wave ofpolitical unrest in 2014.

The figures released by Ortega Diaz's office Thursday indicate policeand military officers are responsible for about a quarter of the deaths.

Opposition leaders also blame armed pro-government groups known as"colectivos" for the violence, while Maduro's administration insistscriminal gangs contracted by right-wing political groups are responsiblefor the bloodshed.

Benavides Torres was one of seven Venezuelan officials sanctioned bythen U.S. President Barack Obama in 2015 for allegedly violating humanrights against protesters during the 2014 demonstrations that left 43people dead.

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court issued a ruling broadening the powers ofstaunchly pro-government ombudsman Tarek William Saab, allowing him tocarry out criminal investigations that are the exclusive prerogative ofOrtega Diaz.

A defiant Ortega Diaz said she wouldn't recognize the ruling, which sheportrayed as a brazen attempt to eliminate her position as Venezuela'stop law enforcement official.

"These rulings are giving the power to investigate human rights abusesto people who possibly are violating those rights," she said.

The ruling came on the same evening that authorities say policeinvestigator Oscar Perez stole a police helicopter and flew it over theSupreme Court and Interior Ministry while firing at the buildings.Maduro characterized it as a "terrorist attack."

Witnesses said the helicopter had hanging from its side a large bannerreferring to article 350 of the country's constitution, which empowersVenezuelans to disobey any regime that violates human rights.

There was relatively little damage to the buildings and no one was injured.

On his Instagram account, Perez, a police pilot and budding action movieactor, posted a video in which he read a manifesto calling forrebellion. He claimed to speak on behalf of a coalition of renegademembers of the security forces, though there was no indication of alarger military involvement.

Authorities found Perez's helicopter in the northern state of Vargas onWednesday afternoon and a nationwide manhunt continued for him Thursday.

___

Associated Press writers Fabiola Sanchez in Caracas and ChristineArmario in Bogota, Colombia, contributed to this report.

I don't support politicians. I don't need that. But, you do for sure,you lousy dog...

/jatKnowledge will set you freeEl conocimiento te hará libre

Post by PLOn 6/30/2017 1:32 AM, jat wrote: "and now for the rest of the story"Venezuela prosecutor charging ex-national guard chiefBy JORGE RUEDAPublished June 29, 2017Associated PressCARACAS, Venezuela – Venezuela's renegade chief prosecutor charged theformer head of the country's national guard Thursday with systemicallyviolating human rights during three months of anti-government proteststhat have left nearly 80 people dead.Luisa Ortega Diaz's office announced the charges against AntonioBenavides Torres a day after the nation's Supreme Court declared it wasbarring her from leaving Venezuela and ordering her bank accounts frozen.Ortega Diaz, a longtime loyalist of the socialist government whorecently broke ranks with President Nicolas Maduro, said police andmilitary officials are responsible for 23 protest deaths to date as wellas 853 injuries."In a great number of these incidents, there is evidence of excessiveuse of force in repressing protests," Venezuela's Public Ministry saidin a statement, citing the use of unauthorized firearms and torture ofthose apprehended.The charges are likely to further escalate tensions between Maduro andOrtega Diaz, who has become one the president's most vocal critics. Shehas filed numerous motions to the government-packed Supreme Courtchallenging Maduro's call for a special assembly to rewrite Venezuela'sconstitution, all of which have been rejected. Meanwhile, the SupremeCourt is proceeding with a complaint filed against her by socialistparty lawmaker Pedro Carreno.Maduro announced he was replacing Benavides Torres last week and insteadassigning him as government head of the capital district.Opposition protests demanding new elections and decrying Venezuela'striple-digit inflation, food shortages and worsening crime arecontinuing to rock the nation as Maduro pushes forward with his plan todraft a new constitution.On a near daily basis, national guardsmen and police have launched teargas and rubber bullets at demonstrators, some of whom have respondedwith rocks and firebombs. The United States, European Union, Canada andothers have urged the government refrain from using force againstprotesters. But protests deaths and injuries have steadily risen, nearlydoubling the number of people killed during Venezuela's last wave ofpolitical unrest in 2014.The figures released by Ortega Diaz's office Thursday indicate policeand military officers are responsible for about a quarter of the deaths.Opposition leaders also blame armed pro-government groups known as"colectivos" for the violence, while Maduro's administration insistscriminal gangs contracted by right-wing political groups are responsiblefor the bloodshed.Benavides Torres was one of seven Venezuelan officials sanctioned bythen U.S. President Barack Obama in 2015 for allegedly violating humanrights against protesters during the 2014 demonstrations that left 43people dead.On Tuesday, the Supreme Court issued a ruling broadening the powers ofstaunchly pro-government ombudsman Tarek William Saab, allowing him tocarry out criminal investigations that are the exclusive prerogative ofOrtega Diaz.A defiant Ortega Diaz said she wouldn't recognize the ruling, which sheportrayed as a brazen attempt to eliminate her position as Venezuela'stop law enforcement official."These rulings are giving the power to investigate human rights abusesto people who possibly are violating those rights," she said.The ruling came on the same evening that authorities say policeinvestigator Oscar Perez stole a police helicopter and flew it over theSupreme Court and Interior Ministry while firing at the buildings.Maduro characterized it as a "terrorist attack."Witnesses said the helicopter had hanging from its side a large bannerreferring to article 350 of the country's constitution, which empowersVenezuelans to disobey any regime that violates human rights.There was relatively little damage to the buildings and no one was injured.On his Instagram account, Perez, a police pilot and budding action movieactor, posted a video in which he read a manifesto calling forrebellion. He claimed to speak on behalf of a coalition of renegademembers of the security forces, though there was no indication of alarger military involvement.Authorities found Perez's helicopter in the northern state of Vargas onWednesday afternoon and a nationwide manhunt continued for him Thursday.___Associated Press writers Fabiola Sanchez in Caracas and ChristineArmario in Bogota, Colombia, contributed to this report.http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/06/29/supreme-court-bars-chief-prosecutor-from-leaving-venezuela.html

Post by PLOn 6/30/2017 1:32 AM, jat wrote: "and now for the rest of the story"Venezuela prosecutor charging ex-national guard chiefBy JORGE RUEDAPublished June 29, 2017Associated PressCARACAS, Venezuela – Venezuela's renegade chief prosecutor charged theformer head of the country's national guard Thursday with systemicallyviolating human rights during three months of anti-government proteststhat have left nearly 80 people dead.Luisa Ortega Diaz's office announced the charges against AntonioBenavides Torres a day after the nation's Supreme Court declared it wasbarring her from leaving Venezuela and ordering her bank accounts frozen.Ortega Diaz, a longtime loyalist of the socialist government whorecently broke ranks with President Nicolas Maduro, said police andmilitary officials are responsible for 23 protest deaths to date as wellas 853 injuries."In a great number of these incidents, there is evidence of excessiveuse of force in repressing protests," Venezuela's Public Ministry saidin a statement, citing the use of unauthorized firearms and torture ofthose apprehended.The charges are likely to further escalate tensions between Maduro andOrtega Diaz, who has become one the president's most vocal critics. Shehas filed numerous motions to the government-packed Supreme Courtchallenging Maduro's call for a special assembly to rewrite Venezuela'sconstitution, all of which have been rejected. Meanwhile, the SupremeCourt is proceeding with a complaint filed against her by socialistparty lawmaker Pedro Carreno.Maduro announced he was replacing Benavides Torres last week and insteadassigning him as government head of the capital district.Opposition protests demanding new elections and decrying Venezuela'striple-digit inflation, food shortages and worsening crime arecontinuing to rock the nation as Maduro pushes forward with his plan todraft a new constitution.On a near daily basis, national guardsmen and police have launched teargas and rubber bullets at demonstrators, some of whom have respondedwith rocks and firebombs. The United States, European Union, Canada andothers have urged the government refrain from using force againstprotesters. But protests deaths and injuries have steadily risen, nearlydoubling the number of people killed during Venezuela's last wave ofpolitical unrest in 2014.The figures released by Ortega Diaz's office Thursday indicate policeand military officers are responsible for about a quarter of the deaths.Opposition leaders also blame armed pro-government groups known as"colectivos" for the violence, while Maduro's administration insistscriminal gangs contracted by right-wing political groups are responsiblefor the bloodshed.Benavides Torres was one of seven Venezuelan officials sanctioned bythen U.S. President Barack Obama in 2015 for allegedly violating humanrights against protesters during the 2014 demonstrations that left 43people dead.On Tuesday, the Supreme Court issued a ruling broadening the powers ofstaunchly pro-government ombudsman Tarek William Saab, allowing him tocarry out criminal investigations that are the exclusive prerogative ofOrtega Diaz.A defiant Ortega Diaz said she wouldn't recognize the ruling, which sheportrayed as a brazen attempt to eliminate her position as Venezuela'stop law enforcement official."These rulings are giving the power to investigate human rights abusesto people who possibly are violating those rights," she said.The ruling came on the same evening that authorities say policeinvestigator Oscar Perez stole a police helicopter and flew it over theSupreme Court and Interior Ministry while firing at the buildings.Maduro characterized it as a "terrorist attack."Witnesses said the helicopter had hanging from its side a large bannerreferring to article 350 of the country's constitution, which empowersVenezuelans to disobey any regime that violates human rights.There was relatively little damage to the buildings and no one was injured.On his Instagram account, Perez, a police pilot and budding action movieactor, posted a video in which he read a manifesto calling forrebellion. He claimed to speak on behalf of a coalition of renegademembers of the security forces, though there was no indication of alarger military involvement.Authorities found Perez's helicopter in the northern state of Vargas onWednesday afternoon and a nationwide manhunt continued for him Thursday.___Associated Press writers Fabiola Sanchez in Caracas and ChristineArmario in Bogota, Colombia, contributed to this report.http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/06/29/supreme-court-bars-chief-prosecutor-from-leaving-venezuela.html

Post by PLOn 6/30/2017 1:32 AM, jat wrote: "and now for the rest of the story"Venezuela prosecutor charging ex-national guard chiefBy JORGE RUEDAPublished June 29, 2017Associated PressCARACAS, Venezuela – Venezuela's renegade chief prosecutor charged theformer head of the country's national guard Thursday with systemicallyviolating human rights during three months of anti-government proteststhat have left nearly 80 people dead.Luisa Ortega Diaz's office announced the charges against AntonioBenavides Torres a day after the nation's Supreme Court declared it wasbarring her from leaving Venezuela and ordering her bank accounts frozen.Ortega Diaz, a longtime loyalist of the socialist government whorecently broke ranks with President Nicolas Maduro, said police andmilitary officials are responsible for 23 protest deaths to date as wellas 853 injuries."In a great number of these incidents, there is evidence of excessiveuse of force in repressing protests," Venezuela's Public Ministry saidin a statement, citing the use of unauthorized firearms and torture ofthose apprehended.The charges are likely to further escalate tensions between Maduro andOrtega Diaz, who has become one the president's most vocal critics. Shehas filed numerous motions to the government-packed Supreme Courtchallenging Maduro's call for a special assembly to rewrite Venezuela'sconstitution, all of which have been rejected. Meanwhile, the SupremeCourt is proceeding with a complaint filed against her by socialistparty lawmaker Pedro Carreno.Maduro announced he was replacing Benavides Torres last week and insteadassigning him as government head of the capital district.Opposition protests demanding new elections and decrying Venezuela'striple-digit inflation, food shortages and worsening crime arecontinuing to rock the nation as Maduro pushes forward with his plan todraft a new constitution.On a near daily basis, national guardsmen and police have launched teargas and rubber bullets at demonstrators, some of whom have respondedwith rocks and firebombs. The United States, European Union, Canada andothers have urged the government refrain from using force againstprotesters. But protests deaths and injuries have steadily risen, nearlydoubling the number of people killed during Venezuela's last wave ofpolitical unrest in 2014.The figures released by Ortega Diaz's office Thursday indicate policeand military officers are responsible for about a quarter of the deaths.Opposition leaders also blame armed pro-government groups known as"colectivos" for the violence, while Maduro's administration insistscriminal gangs contracted by right-wing political groups are responsiblefor the bloodshed.Benavides Torres was one of seven Venezuelan officials sanctioned bythen U.S. President Barack Obama in 2015 for allegedly violating humanrights against protesters during the 2014 demonstrations that left 43people dead.On Tuesday, the Supreme Court issued a ruling broadening the powers ofstaunchly pro-government ombudsman Tarek William Saab, allowing him tocarry out criminal investigations that are the exclusive prerogative ofOrtega Diaz.A defiant Ortega Diaz said she wouldn't recognize the ruling, which sheportrayed as a brazen attempt to eliminate her position as Venezuela'stop law enforcement official."These rulings are giving the power to investigate human rights abusesto people who possibly are violating those rights," she said.The ruling came on the same evening that authorities say policeinvestigator Oscar Perez stole a police helicopter and flew it over theSupreme Court and Interior Ministry while firing at the buildings.Maduro characterized it as a "terrorist attack."Witnesses said the helicopter had hanging from its side a large bannerreferring to article 350 of the country's constitution, which empowersVenezuelans to disobey any regime that violates human rights.There was relatively little damage to the buildings and no one was injured.On his Instagram account, Perez, a police pilot and budding action movieactor, posted a video in which he read a manifesto calling forrebellion. He claimed to speak on behalf of a coalition of renegademembers of the security forces, though there was no indication of alarger military involvement.Authorities found Perez's helicopter in the northern state of Vargas onWednesday afternoon and a nationwide manhunt continued for him Thursday.___Associated Press writers Fabiola Sanchez in Caracas and ChristineArmario in Bogota, Colombia, contributed to this report.http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/06/29/supreme-court-bars-chief-prosecutor-from-leaving-venezuela.html

Post by PLOn 6/30/2017 1:32 AM, jat wrote: "and now for the rest of the story"Venezuela prosecutor charging ex-national guard chiefBy JORGE RUEDAPublished June 29, 2017Associated PressCARACAS, Venezuela – Venezuela's renegade chief prosecutor charged theformer head of the country's national guard Thursday with systemicallyviolating human rights during three months of anti-government proteststhat have left nearly 80 people dead.Luisa Ortega Diaz's office announced the charges against AntonioBenavides Torres a day after the nation's Supreme Court declared it wasbarring her from leaving Venezuela and ordering her bank accounts frozen.Ortega Diaz, a longtime loyalist of the socialist government whorecently broke ranks with President Nicolas Maduro, said police andmilitary officials are responsible for 23 protest deaths to date as wellas 853 injuries."In a great number of these incidents, there is evidence of excessiveuse of force in repressing protests," Venezuela's Public Ministry saidin a statement, citing the use of unauthorized firearms and torture ofthose apprehended.The charges are likely to further escalate tensions between Maduro andOrtega Diaz, who has become one the president's most vocal critics. Shehas filed numerous motions to the government-packed Supreme Courtchallenging Maduro's call for a special assembly to rewrite Venezuela'sconstitution, all of which have been rejected. Meanwhile, the SupremeCourt is proceeding with a complaint filed against her by socialistparty lawmaker Pedro Carreno.Maduro announced he was replacing Benavides Torres last week and insteadassigning him as government head of the capital district.Opposition protests demanding new elections and decrying Venezuela'striple-digit inflation, food shortages and worsening crime arecontinuing to rock the nation as Maduro pushes forward with his plan todraft a new constitution.On a near daily basis, national guardsmen and police have launched teargas and rubber bullets at demonstrators, some of whom have respondedwith rocks and firebombs. The United States, European Union, Canada andothers have urged the government refrain from using force againstprotesters. But protests deaths and injuries have steadily risen, nearlydoubling the number of people killed during Venezuela's last wave ofpolitical unrest in 2014.The figures released by Ortega Diaz's office Thursday indicate policeand military officers are responsible for about a quarter of the deaths.Opposition leaders also blame armed pro-government groups known as"colectivos" for the violence, while Maduro's administration insistscriminal gangs contracted by right-wing political groups are responsiblefor the bloodshed.Benavides Torres was one of seven Venezuelan officials sanctioned bythen U.S. President Barack Obama in 2015 for allegedly violating humanrights against protesters during the 2014 demonstrations that left 43people dead.On Tuesday, the Supreme Court issued a ruling broadening the powers ofstaunchly pro-government ombudsman Tarek William Saab, allowing him tocarry out criminal investigations that are the exclusive prerogative ofOrtega Diaz.A defiant Ortega Diaz said she wouldn't recognize the ruling, which sheportrayed as a brazen attempt to eliminate her position as Venezuela'stop law enforcement official."These rulings are giving the power to investigate human rights abusesto people who possibly are violating those rights," she said.The ruling came on the same evening that authorities say policeinvestigator Oscar Perez stole a police helicopter and flew it over theSupreme Court and Interior Ministry while firing at the buildings.Maduro characterized it as a "terrorist attack."Witnesses said the helicopter had hanging from its side a large bannerreferring to article 350 of the country's constitution, which empowersVenezuelans to disobey any regime that violates human rights.There was relatively little damage to the buildings and no one was injured.On his Instagram account, Perez, a police pilot and budding action movieactor, posted a video in which he read a manifesto calling forrebellion. He claimed to speak on behalf of a coalition of renegademembers of the security forces, though there was no indication of alarger military involvement.Authorities found Perez's helicopter in the northern state of Vargas onWednesday afternoon and a nationwide manhunt continued for him Thursday.___Associated Press writers Fabiola Sanchez in Caracas and ChristineArmario in Bogota, Colombia, contributed to this report.http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/06/29/supreme-court-bars-chief-prosecutor-from-leaving-venezuela.html

Post by PLOn 6/30/2017 1:32 AM, jat wrote: "and now for the rest of the story"Venezuela prosecutor charging ex-national guard chiefBy JORGE RUEDAPublished June 29, 2017Associated PressCARACAS, Venezuela – Venezuela's renegade chief prosecutor charged theformer head of the country's national guard Thursday with systemicallyviolating human rights during three months of anti-government proteststhat have left nearly 80 people dead.Luisa Ortega Diaz's office announced the charges against AntonioBenavides Torres a day after the nation's Supreme Court declared it wasbarring her from leaving Venezuela and ordering her bank accounts frozen.Ortega Diaz, a longtime loyalist of the socialist government whorecently broke ranks with President Nicolas Maduro, said police andmilitary officials are responsible for 23 protest deaths to date as wellas 853 injuries."In a great number of these incidents, there is evidence of excessiveuse of force in repressing protests," Venezuela's Public Ministry saidin a statement, citing the use of unauthorized firearms and torture ofthose apprehended.The charges are likely to further escalate tensions between Maduro andOrtega Diaz, who has become one the president's most vocal critics. Shehas filed numerous motions to the government-packed Supreme Courtchallenging Maduro's call for a special assembly to rewrite Venezuela'sconstitution, all of which have been rejected. Meanwhile, the SupremeCourt is proceeding with a complaint filed against her by socialistparty lawmaker Pedro Carreno.Maduro announced he was replacing Benavides Torres last week and insteadassigning him as government head of the capital district.Opposition protests demanding new elections and decrying Venezuela'striple-digit inflation, food shortages and worsening crime arecontinuing to rock the nation as Maduro pushes forward with his plan todraft a new constitution.On a near daily basis, national guardsmen and police have launched teargas and rubber bullets at demonstrators, some of whom have respondedwith rocks and firebombs. The United States, European Union, Canada andothers have urged the government refrain from using force againstprotesters. But protests deaths and injuries have steadily risen, nearlydoubling the number of people killed during Venezuela's last wave ofpolitical unrest in 2014.The figures released by Ortega Diaz's office Thursday indicate policeand military officers are responsible for about a quarter of the deaths.Opposition leaders also blame armed pro-government groups known as"colectivos" for the violence, while Maduro's administration insistscriminal gangs contracted by right-wing political groups are responsiblefor the bloodshed.Benavides Torres was one of seven Venezuelan officials sanctioned bythen U.S. President Barack Obama in 2015 for allegedly violating humanrights against protesters during the 2014 demonstrations that left 43people dead.On Tuesday, the Supreme Court issued a ruling broadening the powers ofstaunchly pro-government ombudsman Tarek William Saab, allowing him tocarry out criminal investigations that are the exclusiveprerogative ofOrtega Diaz.A defiant Ortega Diaz said she wouldn't recognize the ruling, which sheportrayed as a brazen attempt to eliminate her position as Venezuela'stop law enforcement official."These rulings are giving the power to investigate human rights abusesto people who possibly are violating those rights," she said.The ruling came on the same evening that authorities say policeinvestigator Oscar Perez stole a police helicopter and flew it over theSupreme Court and Interior Ministry while firing at the buildings.Maduro characterized it as a "terrorist attack."Witnesses said the helicopter had hanging from its side a large bannerreferring to article 350 of the country's constitution, which empowersVenezuelans to disobey any regime that violates human rights.There was relatively little damage to the buildings and no one was injured.On his Instagram account, Perez, a police pilot and budding action movieactor, posted a video in which he read a manifesto calling forrebellion. He claimed to speak on behalf of a coalition of renegademembers of the security forces, though there was no indication of alarger military involvement.Authorities found Perez's helicopter in the northern state of Vargas onWednesday afternoon and a nationwide manhunt continued for him Thursday.___Associated Press writers Fabiola Sanchez in Caracas and ChristineArmario in Bogota, Colombia, contributed to this report.http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/06/29/supreme-court-bars-chief-prosecutor-from-leaving-venezuela.html

Post by PLOn 6/30/2017 1:32 AM, jat wrote: "and now for the rest of the story"Venezuela prosecutor charging ex-national guard chiefBy JORGE RUEDAPublished June 29, 2017Associated PressCARACAS, Venezuela – Venezuela's renegade chief prosecutor charged theformer head of the country's national guard Thursday withsystemicallyviolating human rights during three months of anti-government proteststhat have left nearly 80 people dead.Luisa Ortega Diaz's office announced the charges against AntonioBenavides Torres a day after the nation's Supreme Court declared it wasbarring her from leaving Venezuela and ordering her bank accounts frozen.Ortega Diaz, a longtime loyalist of the socialist government whorecently broke ranks with President Nicolas Maduro, said police andmilitary officials are responsible for 23 protest deaths to date as wellas 853 injuries."In a great number of these incidents, there is evidence of excessiveuse of force in repressing protests," Venezuela's Public Ministry saidin a statement, citing the use of unauthorized firearms and torture ofthose apprehended.The charges are likely to further escalate tensions between Maduro andOrtega Diaz, who has become one the president's most vocal critics. Shehas filed numerous motions to the government-packed Supreme Courtchallenging Maduro's call for a special assembly to rewrite Venezuela'sconstitution, all of which have been rejected. Meanwhile, the SupremeCourt is proceeding with a complaint filed against her by socialistparty lawmaker Pedro Carreno.Maduro announced he was replacing Benavides Torres last week and insteadassigning him as government head of the capital district.Opposition protests demanding new elections and decrying Venezuela'striple-digit inflation, food shortages and worsening crime arecontinuing to rock the nation as Maduro pushes forward with his plan todraft a new constitution.On a near daily basis, national guardsmen and police have launched teargas and rubber bullets at demonstrators, some of whom have respondedwith rocks and firebombs. The United States, European Union, Canada andothers have urged the government refrain from using force againstprotesters. But protests deaths and injuries have steadily risen, nearlydoubling the number of people killed during Venezuela's last wave ofpolitical unrest in 2014.The figures released by Ortega Diaz's office Thursday indicate policeand military officers are responsible for about a quarter of the deaths.Opposition leaders also blame armed pro-government groups known as"colectivos" for the violence, while Maduro's administration insistscriminal gangs contracted by right-wing political groups are responsiblefor the bloodshed.Benavides Torres was one of seven Venezuelan officials sanctioned bythen U.S. President Barack Obama in 2015 for allegedly violating humanrights against protesters during the 2014 demonstrations that left 43people dead.On Tuesday, the Supreme Court issued a ruling broadening the powers ofstaunchly pro-government ombudsman Tarek William Saab, allowing him tocarry out criminal investigations that are the exclusiveprerogative ofOrtega Diaz.A defiant Ortega Diaz said she wouldn't recognize the ruling, which sheportrayed as a brazen attempt to eliminate her position as Venezuela'stop law enforcement official."These rulings are giving the power to investigate human rights abusesto people who possibly are violating those rights," she said.The ruling came on the same evening that authorities say policeinvestigator Oscar Perez stole a police helicopter and flew it over theSupreme Court and Interior Ministry while firing at the buildings.Maduro characterized it as a "terrorist attack."Witnesses said the helicopter had hanging from its side a large bannerreferring to article 350 of the country's constitution, which empowersVenezuelans to disobey any regime that violates human rights.There was relatively little damage to the buildings and no one was injured.On his Instagram account, Perez, a police pilot and budding action movieactor, posted a video in which he read a manifesto calling forrebellion. He claimed to speak on behalf of a coalition of renegademembers of the security forces, though there was no indication of alarger military involvement.Authorities found Perez's helicopter in the northern state of Vargas onWednesday afternoon and a nationwide manhunt continued for him Thursday.___Associated Press writers Fabiola Sanchez in Caracas and ChristineArmario in Bogota, Colombia, contributed to this report.http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/06/29/supreme-court-bars-chief-prosecutor-from-leaving-venezuela.html

Post by PLOn 6/30/2017 1:32 AM, jat wrote: "and now for the rest of the story"Venezuela prosecutor charging ex-national guard chiefBy JORGE RUEDAPublished June 29, 2017Associated PressCARACAS, Venezuela – Venezuela's renegade chief prosecutor charged theformer head of the country's national guard Thursday with systemicallyviolating human rights during three months of anti-government proteststhat have left nearly 80 people dead.Luisa Ortega Diaz's office announced the charges against AntonioBenavides Torres a day after the nation's Supreme Court declared it wasbarring her from leaving Venezuela and ordering her bank accounts frozen.Ortega Diaz, a longtime loyalist of the socialist government whorecently broke ranks with President Nicolas Maduro, said police andmilitary officials are responsible for 23 protest deaths to date as wellas 853 injuries."In a great number of these incidents, there is evidence of excessiveuse of force in repressing protests," Venezuela's Public Ministry saidin a statement, citing the use of unauthorized firearms and torture ofthose apprehended.The charges are likely to further escalate tensions between Maduro andOrtega Diaz, who has become one the president's most vocal critics. Shehas filed numerous motions to the government-packed Supreme Courtchallenging Maduro's call for a special assembly to rewrite Venezuela'sconstitution, all of which have been rejected. Meanwhile, the SupremeCourt is proceeding with a complaint filed against her by socialistparty lawmaker Pedro Carreno.Maduro announced he was replacing Benavides Torres last week and insteadassigning him as government head of the capital district.Opposition protests demanding new elections and decrying Venezuela'striple-digit inflation, food shortages and worsening crime arecontinuing to rock the nation as Maduro pushes forward with his plan todraft a new constitution.On a near daily basis, national guardsmen and police have launched teargas and rubber bullets at demonstrators, some of whom have respondedwith rocks and firebombs. The United States, European Union, Canada andothers have urged the government refrain from using force againstprotesters. But protests deaths and injuries have steadily risen, nearlydoubling the number of people killed during Venezuela's last wave ofpolitical unrest in 2014.The figures released by Ortega Diaz's office Thursday indicate policeand military officers are responsible for about a quarter of the deaths.Opposition leaders also blame armed pro-government groups known as"colectivos" for the violence, while Maduro's administration insistscriminal gangs contracted by right-wing political groups are responsiblefor the bloodshed.Benavides Torres was one of seven Venezuelan officials sanctioned bythen U.S. President Barack Obama in 2015 for allegedly violating humanrights against protesters during the 2014 demonstrations that left 43people dead.On Tuesday, the Supreme Court issued a ruling broadening the powers ofstaunchly pro-government ombudsman Tarek William Saab, allowing him tocarry out criminal investigations that are the exclusiveprerogative ofOrtega Diaz.A defiant Ortega Diaz said she wouldn't recognize the ruling, which sheportrayed as a brazen attempt to eliminate her position as Venezuela'stop law enforcement official."These rulings are giving the power to investigate human rights abusesto people who possibly are violating those rights," she said.The ruling came on the same evening that authorities say policeinvestigator Oscar Perez stole a police helicopter and flew it over theSupreme Court and Interior Ministry while firing at the buildings.Maduro characterized it as a "terrorist attack."Witnesses said the helicopter had hanging from its side a large bannerreferring to article 350 of the country's constitution, which empowersVenezuelans to disobey any regime that violates human rights.There was relatively little damage to the buildings and no one was injured.On his Instagram account, Perez, a police pilot and budding action movieactor, posted a video in which he read a manifesto calling forrebellion. He claimed to speak on behalf of a coalition of renegademembers of the security forces, though there was no indication of alarger military involvement.Authorities found Perez's helicopter in the northern state of Vargas onWednesday afternoon and a nationwide manhunt continued for him Thursday.___Associated Press writers Fabiola Sanchez in Caracas and ChristineArmario in Bogota, Colombia, contributed to this report.http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/06/29/supreme-court-bars-chief-prosecutor-from-leaving-venezuela.html

Post by PLOn 6/30/2017 1:32 AM, jat wrote: "and now for the rest of the story"Venezuela prosecutor charging ex-national guard chiefBy JORGE RUEDAPublished June 29, 2017Associated PressCARACAS, Venezuela – Venezuela's renegade chief prosecutor charged theformer head of the country's national guard Thursday with systemicallyviolating human rights during three months of anti-government proteststhat have left nearly 80 people dead.Luisa Ortega Diaz's office announced the charges against AntonioBenavides Torres a day after the nation's Supreme Court declared it wasbarring her from leaving Venezuela and ordering her bank accounts frozen.Ortega Diaz, a longtime loyalist of the socialist government whorecently broke ranks with President Nicolas Maduro, said police andmilitary officials are responsible for 23 protest deaths to date as wellas 853 injuries."In a great number of these incidents, there is evidence of excessiveuse of force in repressing protests," Venezuela's Public Ministry saidin a statement, citing the use of unauthorized firearms and torture ofthose apprehended.The charges are likely to further escalate tensions between Maduro andOrtega Diaz, who has become one the president's most vocal critics. Shehas filed numerous motions to the government-packed Supreme Courtchallenging Maduro's call for a special assembly to rewrite Venezuela'sconstitution, all of which have been rejected. Meanwhile, the SupremeCourt is proceeding with a complaint filed against her by socialistparty lawmaker Pedro Carreno.Maduro announced he was replacing Benavides Torres last week and insteadassigning him as government head of the capital district.Opposition protests demanding new elections and decrying Venezuela'striple-digit inflation, food shortages and worsening crime arecontinuing to rock the nation as Maduro pushes forward with his plan todraft a new constitution.On a near daily basis, national guardsmen and police have launched teargas and rubber bullets at demonstrators, some of whom have respondedwith rocks and firebombs. The United States, European Union, Canada andothers have urged the government refrain from using force againstprotesters. But protests deaths and injuries have steadily risen, nearlydoubling the number of people killed during Venezuela's last wave ofpolitical unrest in 2014.The figures released by Ortega Diaz's office Thursday indicate policeand military officers are responsible for about a quarter of the deaths.Opposition leaders also blame armed pro-government groups known as"colectivos" for the violence, while Maduro's administration insistscriminal gangs contracted by right-wing political groups are responsiblefor the bloodshed.Benavides Torres was one of seven Venezuelan officialssanctioned bythen U.S. President Barack Obama in 2015 for allegedly violating humanrights against protesters during the 2014 demonstrations that left 43people dead.On Tuesday, the Supreme Court issued a ruling broadening the powers ofstaunchly pro-government ombudsman Tarek William Saab, allowing him tocarry out criminal investigations that are the exclusive prerogative ofOrtega Diaz.A defiant Ortega Diaz said she wouldn't recognize the ruling, which sheportrayed as a brazen attempt to eliminate her position as Venezuela'stop law enforcement official."These rulings are giving the power to investigate human rights abusesto people who possibly are violating those rights," she said.The ruling came on the same evening that authorities say policeinvestigator Oscar Perez stole a police helicopter and flew it over theSupreme Court and Interior Ministry while firing at the buildings.Maduro characterized it as a "terrorist attack."Witnesses said the helicopter had hanging from its side a large bannerreferring to article 350 of the country's constitution, which empowersVenezuelans to disobey any regime that violates human rights.There was relatively little damage to the buildings and no one was injured.On his Instagram account, Perez, a police pilot and budding action movieactor, posted a video in which he read a manifesto calling forrebellion. He claimed to speak on behalf of a coalition of renegademembers of the security forces, though there was no indication of alarger military involvement.Authorities found Perez's helicopter in the northern state of Vargas onWednesday afternoon and a nationwide manhunt continued for him Thursday.___Associated Press writers Fabiola Sanchez in Caracas and ChristineArmario in Bogota, Colombia, contributed to this report.http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/06/29/supreme-court-bars-chief-prosecutor-from-leaving-venezuela.html

Post by PLOn 6/30/2017 1:32 AM, jat wrote: "and now for the rest of the story"Venezuela prosecutor charging ex-national guard chiefBy JORGE RUEDAPublished June 29, 2017Associated PressCARACAS, Venezuela – Venezuela's renegade chief prosecutor charged theformer head of the country's national guard Thursday with systemicallyviolating human rights during three months of anti-government proteststhat have left nearly 80 people dead.Luisa Ortega Diaz's office announced the charges against AntonioBenavides Torres a day after the nation's Supreme Court declared it wasbarring her from leaving Venezuela and ordering her bank accounts frozen.Ortega Diaz, a longtime loyalist of the socialist government whorecently broke ranks with President Nicolas Maduro, said police andmilitary officials are responsible for 23 protest deaths to date as wellas 853 injuries."In a great number of these incidents, there is evidence of excessiveuse of force in repressing protests," Venezuela's Public Ministry saidin a statement, citing the use of unauthorized firearms and torture ofthose apprehended.The charges are likely to further escalate tensions between Maduro andOrtega Diaz, who has become one the president's most vocal critics. Shehas filed numerous motions to the government-packed Supreme Courtchallenging Maduro's call for a special assembly to rewrite Venezuela'sconstitution, all of which have been rejected. Meanwhile, the SupremeCourt is proceeding with a complaint filed against her by socialistparty lawmaker Pedro Carreno.Maduro announced he was replacing Benavides Torres last week and insteadassigning him as government head of the capital district.Opposition protests demanding new elections and decrying Venezuela'striple-digit inflation, food shortages and worsening crime arecontinuing to rock the nation as Maduro pushes forward with his plan todraft a new constitution.On a near daily basis, national guardsmen and police have launched teargas and rubber bullets at demonstrators, some of whom have respondedwith rocks and firebombs. The United States, European Union, Canada andothers have urged the government refrain from using force againstprotesters. But protests deaths and injuries have steadily risen, nearlydoubling the number of people killed during Venezuela's last wave ofpolitical unrest in 2014.The figures released by Ortega Diaz's office Thursday indicate policeand military officers are responsible for about a quarter of the deaths.Opposition leaders also blame armed pro-government groups known as"colectivos" for the violence, while Maduro's administration insistscriminal gangs contracted by right-wing political groups are responsiblefor the bloodshed.Benavides Torres was one of seven Venezuelan officialssanctioned bythen U.S. President Barack Obama in 2015 for allegedlyviolating humanrights against protesters during the 2014 demonstrations that left 43people dead.On Tuesday, the Supreme Court issued a ruling broadening the powers ofstaunchly pro-government ombudsman Tarek William Saab, allowing him tocarry out criminal investigations that are the exclusive prerogative ofOrtega Diaz.A defiant Ortega Diaz said she wouldn't recognize the ruling, which sheportrayed as a brazen attempt to eliminate her position as Venezuela'stop law enforcement official."These rulings are giving the power to investigate human rights abusesto people who possibly are violating those rights," she said.The ruling came on the same evening that authorities say policeinvestigator Oscar Perez stole a police helicopter and flew it over theSupreme Court and Interior Ministry while firing at the buildings.Maduro characterized it as a "terrorist attack."Witnesses said the helicopter had hanging from its side a large bannerreferring to article 350 of the country's constitution, which empowersVenezuelans to disobey any regime that violates human rights.There was relatively little damage to the buildings and no one was injured.On his Instagram account, Perez, a police pilot and budding action movieactor, posted a video in which he read a manifesto calling forrebellion. He claimed to speak on behalf of a coalition of renegademembers of the security forces, though there was no indication of alarger military involvement.Authorities found Perez's helicopter in the northern state of Vargas onWednesday afternoon and a nationwide manhunt continued for him Thursday.___Associated Press writers Fabiola Sanchez in Caracas and ChristineArmario in Bogota, Colombia, contributed to this report.http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/06/29/supreme-court-bars-chief-prosecutor-from-leaving-venezuela.html

Post by PLOn 6/30/2017 1:32 AM, jat wrote: "and now for the rest of the story"Venezuela prosecutor charging ex-national guard chiefBy JORGE RUEDAPublished June 29, 2017Associated PressCARACAS, Venezuela – Venezuela's renegade chief prosecutor charged theformer head of the country's national guard Thursday with systemicallyviolating human rights during three months of anti-government proteststhat have left nearly 80 people dead.Luisa Ortega Diaz's office announced the charges against AntonioBenavides Torres a day after the nation's Supreme Court declared it wasbarring her from leaving Venezuela and ordering her bank accounts frozen.Ortega Diaz, a longtime loyalist of the socialist government whorecently broke ranks with President Nicolas Maduro, said police andmilitary officials are responsible for 23 protest deaths to date as wellas 853 injuries."In a great number of these incidents, there is evidence of excessiveuse of force in repressing protests," Venezuela's Public Ministry saidin a statement, citing the use of unauthorized firearms and torture ofthose apprehended.The charges are likely to further escalate tensions between Maduro andOrtega Diaz, who has become one the president's most vocal critics. Shehas filed numerous motions to the government-packed Supreme Courtchallenging Maduro's call for a special assembly to rewrite Venezuela'sconstitution, all of which have been rejected. Meanwhile, the SupremeCourt is proceeding with a complaint filed against her by socialistparty lawmaker Pedro Carreno.Maduro announced he was replacing Benavides Torres last week and insteadassigning him as government head of the capital district.Opposition protests demanding new elections and decrying Venezuela'striple-digit inflation, food shortages and worsening crime arecontinuing to rock the nation as Maduro pushes forward with his plan todraft a new constitution.On a near daily basis, national guardsmen and police have launched teargas and rubber bullets at demonstrators, some of whom have respondedwith rocks and firebombs. The United States, European Union, Canada andothers have urged the government refrain from using force againstprotesters. But protests deaths and injuries have steadily risen, nearlydoubling the number of people killed during Venezuela's last wave ofpolitical unrest in 2014.The figures released by Ortega Diaz's office Thursday indicate policeand military officers are responsible for about a quarter of the deaths.Opposition leaders also blame armed pro-government groups known as"colectivos" for the violence, while Maduro's administration insistscriminal gangs contracted by right-wing political groups are responsiblefor the bloodshed.Benavides Torres was one of seven Venezuelan officials sanctioned bythen U.S. President Barack Obama in 2015 for allegedly violating humanrights against protesters during the 2014 demonstrations that left 43people dead.On Tuesday, the Supreme Court issued a ruling broadening the powers ofstaunchly pro-government ombudsman Tarek William Saab, allowing him tocarry out criminal investigations that are the exclusive prerogative ofOrtega Diaz.A defiant Ortega Diaz said she wouldn't recognize the ruling, which sheportrayed as a brazen attempt to eliminate her position as Venezuela'stop law enforcement official."These rulings are giving the power to investigate human rights abusesto people who possibly are violating those rights," she said.The ruling came on the same evening that authorities say policeinvestigator Oscar Perez stole a police helicopter and flew it over theSupreme Court and Interior Ministry while firing at the buildings.Maduro characterized it as a "terrorist attack."Witnesses said the helicopter had hanging from its side a large bannerreferring to article 350 of the country's constitution, which empowersVenezuelans to disobey any regime that violates human rights.There was relatively little damage to the buildings and no onewas injured.On his Instagram account, Perez, a police pilot and budding action movieactor, posted a video in which he read a manifesto calling forrebellion. He claimed to speak on behalf of a coalition of renegademembers of the security forces, though there was no indication of alarger military involvement.Authorities found Perez's helicopter in the northern state of Vargas onWednesday afternoon and a nationwide manhunt continued for him Thursday.___Associated Press writers Fabiola Sanchez in Caracas and ChristineArmario in Bogota, Colombia, contributed to this report.http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/06/29/supreme-court-bars-chief-prosecutor-from-leaving-venezuela.html

Post by PLOn 6/30/2017 1:32 AM, jat wrote: "and now for the rest of the story"Venezuela prosecutor charging ex-national guard chiefBy JORGE RUEDAPublished June 29, 2017Associated PressCARACAS, Venezuela – Venezuela's renegade chief prosecutorcharged theformer head of the country's national guard Thursday with systemicallyviolating human rights during three months of anti-government proteststhat have left nearly 80 people dead.Luisa Ortega Diaz's office announced the charges against AntonioBenavides Torres a day after the nation's Supreme Court declared it wasbarring her from leaving Venezuela and ordering her bankaccounts frozen.Ortega Diaz, a longtime loyalist of the socialist government whorecently broke ranks with President Nicolas Maduro, said police andmilitary officials are responsible for 23 protest deaths todate as wellas 853 injuries."In a great number of these incidents, there is evidence of excessiveuse of force in repressing protests," Venezuela's Public Ministry saidin a statement, citing the use of unauthorized firearms and torture ofthose apprehended.The charges are likely to further escalate tensions between Maduro andOrtega Diaz, who has become one the president's most vocal critics. Shehas filed numerous motions to the government-packed Supreme Courtchallenging Maduro's call for a special assembly to rewrite Venezuela'sconstitution, all of which have been rejected. Meanwhile, the SupremeCourt is proceeding with a complaint filed against her by socialistparty lawmaker Pedro Carreno.Maduro announced he was replacing Benavides Torres last weekand insteadassigning him as government head of the capital district.Opposition protests demanding new elections and decrying Venezuela'striple-digit inflation, food shortages and worsening crime arecontinuing to rock the nation as Maduro pushes forward with his plan todraft a new constitution.On a near daily basis, national guardsmen and police have launched teargas and rubber bullets at demonstrators, some of whom have respondedwith rocks and firebombs. The United States, European Union, Canada andothers have urged the government refrain from using force againstprotesters. But protests deaths and injuries have steadilyrisen, nearlydoubling the number of people killed during Venezuela's last wave ofpolitical unrest in 2014.The figures released by Ortega Diaz's office Thursday indicate policeand military officers are responsible for about a quarter ofthe deaths.Opposition leaders also blame armed pro-government groups known as"colectivos" for the violence, while Maduro's administration insistscriminal gangs contracted by right-wing political groups areresponsiblefor the bloodshed.Benavides Torres was one of seven Venezuelan officials sanctioned bythen U.S. President Barack Obama in 2015 for allegedly violating humanrights against protesters during the 2014 demonstrations that left 43people dead.On Tuesday, the Supreme Court issued a ruling broadening the powers ofstaunchly pro-government ombudsman Tarek William Saab, allowing him tocarry out criminal investigations that are the exclusive prerogative ofOrtega Diaz.A defiant Ortega Diaz said she wouldn't recognize the ruling, which sheportrayed as a brazen attempt to eliminate her position as Venezuela'stop law enforcement official."These rulings are giving the power to investigate human rights abusesto people who possibly are violating those rights," she said.The ruling came on the same evening that authorities say policeinvestigator Oscar Perez stole a police helicopter and flew it over theSupreme Court and Interior Ministry while firing at the buildings.Maduro characterized it as a "terrorist attack."Witnesses said the helicopter had hanging from its side a large bannerreferring to article 350 of the country's constitution, which empowersVenezuelans to disobey any regime that violates human rights.There was relatively little damage to the buildings and no onewas injured.On his Instagram account, Perez, a police pilot and buddingaction movieactor, posted a video in which he read a manifesto calling forrebellion. He claimed to speak on behalf of a coalition of renegademembers of the security forces, though there was no indication of alarger military involvement.Authorities found Perez's helicopter in the northern state of Vargas onWednesday afternoon and a nationwide manhunt continued for himThursday.___Associated Press writers Fabiola Sanchez in Caracas and ChristineArmario in Bogota, Colombia, contributed to this report.http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/06/29/supreme-court-bars-chief-prosecutor-from-leaving-venezuela.html

Post by PLOn 6/30/2017 1:32 AM, jat wrote: "and now for the rest of the story"Venezuela prosecutor charging ex-national guard chiefBy JORGE RUEDAPublished June 29, 2017Associated PressCARACAS, Venezuela – Venezuela's renegade chief prosecutorcharged theformer head of the country's national guard Thursday withsystemicallyviolating human rights during three months of anti-governmentproteststhat have left nearly 80 people dead.Luisa Ortega Diaz's office announced the charges against AntonioBenavides Torres a day after the nation's Supreme Courtdeclared it wasbarring her from leaving Venezuela and ordering her bankaccounts frozen.Ortega Diaz, a longtime loyalist of the socialist government whorecently broke ranks with President Nicolas Maduro, said police andmilitary officials are responsible for 23 protest deaths todate as wellas 853 injuries."In a great number of these incidents, there is evidence of excessiveuse of force in repressing protests," Venezuela's PublicMinistry saidin a statement, citing the use of unauthorized firearms andtorture ofthose apprehended.The charges are likely to further escalate tensions betweenMaduro andOrtega Diaz, who has become one the president's most vocalcritics. Shehas filed numerous motions to the government-packed Supreme Courtchallenging Maduro's call for a special assembly to rewriteVenezuela'sconstitution, all of which have been rejected. Meanwhile, the SupremeCourt is proceeding with a complaint filed against her by socialistparty lawmaker Pedro Carreno.Maduro announced he was replacing Benavides Torres last weekand insteadassigning him as government head of the capital district.Opposition protests demanding new elections and decrying Venezuela'striple-digit inflation, food shortages and worsening crime arecontinuing to rock the nation as Maduro pushes forward with hisplan todraft a new constitution.On a near daily basis, national guardsmen and police havelaunched teargas and rubber bullets at demonstrators, some of whom have respondedwith rocks and firebombs. The United States, European Union,Canada andothers have urged the government refrain from using force againstprotesters. But protests deaths and injuries have steadilyrisen, nearlydoubling the number of people killed during Venezuela's last wave ofpolitical unrest in 2014.The figures released by Ortega Diaz's office Thursday indicate policeand military officers are responsible for about a quarter ofthe deaths.Opposition leaders also blame armed pro-government groups known as"colectivos" for the violence, while Maduro's administration insistscriminal gangs contracted by right-wing political groups areresponsiblefor the bloodshed.Benavides Torres was one of seven Venezuelan officials sanctioned bythen U.S. President Barack Obama in 2015 for allegedlyviolating humanrights against protesters during the 2014 demonstrations that left 43people dead.On Tuesday, the Supreme Court issued a ruling broadening thepowers ofstaunchly pro-government ombudsman Tarek William Saab, allowinghim tocarry out criminal investigations that are the exclusiveprerogative ofOrtega Diaz.A defiant Ortega Diaz said she wouldn't recognize the ruling,which sheportrayed as a brazen attempt to eliminate her position asVenezuela'stop law enforcement official."These rulings are giving the power to investigate human rightsabusesto people who possibly are violating those rights," she said.The ruling came on the same evening that authorities say policeinvestigator Oscar Perez stole a police helicopter and flew itover theSupreme Court and Interior Ministry while firing at the buildings.Maduro characterized it as a "terrorist attack."Witnesses said the helicopter had hanging from its side a largebannerreferring to article 350 of the country's constitution, whichempowersVenezuelans to disobey any regime that violates human rights.There was relatively little damage to the buildings and no onewas injured.On his Instagram account, Perez, a police pilot and buddingaction movieactor, posted a video in which he read a manifesto calling forrebellion. He claimed to speak on behalf of a coalition of renegademembers of the security forces, though there was no indication of alarger military involvement.Authorities found Perez's helicopter in the northern state ofVargas onWednesday afternoon and a nationwide manhunt continued for himThursday.___Associated Press writers Fabiola Sanchez in Caracas and ChristineArmario in Bogota, Colombia, contributed to this report.http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/06/29/supreme-court-bars-chief-prosecutor-from-leaving-venezuela.html